Thomson starts for NZ

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has been forced to make one change for the second Test against Ireland on Saturday.

Flanker promoted to starting XV after Vito is ruled out

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has been forced to make one change for the second Test against Ireland on Saturday in Christchurch. Flanker Victor Vito, who started in the 42-10 hammering over the Irish at Eden Park, has been ruled out with a knee injury. Hansen has chosen to promote try-scoring replacement Adam Thomson in Vito's place to the starting line-up for the second of the three Tests. Uncapped loose forward Sam Cane has also been added to the bench for the encounter at Rugby League Park, the first international in the city since 2010 following a devastating earthquake in February last year. "It's great that Test footy has returned to Christchurch and the players are looking forward to playing in front of a sell-out crowd," Hansen said. "The team, especially those of us from Christchurch, know that people have still been doing it tough so hopefully we can give them a performance on Saturday that puts a smile on their faces." New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Zac Guildford, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 1 Tony Woodcock, 2 Andrew Hore, 3 Owen Franks, 4 Brodie Retallick, 5 Sam Whitelock, 6 Adam Thomson, 7 Richie McCaw, 8 Kieran Read.
Replacements: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Ali Williams, 19 Sam Cane, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Ben Smith